Wintry weather headed for Southern California

A cold snap is headed for the Southland, with overnight temperatures dipping into the 30s and some snow expected in the local mountains.

Inland Empire temperatures will be crisp, lingering in the 50s during the day through the weekend. Many areas of Southern California are expected to have near-freezing low temperatures Saturday and Sunday.

But the weather system won’t generate much rain or snow.

“It’s not that strong of a system,” said Mike Watkins, forecaster for the National Weather Service.

There is a 40 percent chance of snow in Big Bear Lake today, and a 30 percent chance Thursday morning.

“There is a chance of a little bit of snow above 6,500 feet or so, possibly a couple inches,” Watkins said.

Forecasters say San Bernardino has a 30 percent chance of getting rain today.

Temperatures today will be mid-50s in San Bernardino and Ontario, low 30s in Big Bear Lake, low 60s in West Covina, Los Angeles, Torrance and Long Beach.

The High Desert and mountains will be windy, and a high wind warning is in effect through this afternoon.

Winds at 25 to 40 mph are expected, along with gusts reaching 60 mph.

Forecasters also issued a beach hazards statement for the coast, expecting high tides and wind-driven waves that could produce an increased threat of rip currents ending this morning.

More rain is possible on Saturday, but that storm won’t last very long, Watkins said. The long-range forecast calls for a low of near 30 on Sunday morning in Ontario.